Policy, 2018). In light of this, development of communication robots as “lifestyle
support machinery using robot technology for communication with older adults” and
investigation of utilization methods are underway.
Communication robot is “the generic term for a robot used for purposes of or as a
means of communication.” There are three types: (1) “Status Detection and
Response Types” that sense a caregiving home resident’s movement in bed, for
example, and speak to them to encourage proper movement, (2) “Environment/
Operation Responsive Types” that respond to speech or touch from caregiving home
residents (CHRs), and (3) “Caregiver Substitute Program Implementing Types” that
are used to implement a predecided program during physical exercise or recreation
(Ohkawa, 2017, p. 5).
“PARO,” developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and
Technology, is a typical example of a communication robot. According to Sakata
(2017), most communication robots are equipped with touch sensors and functions
of speech recognition, speech production, facial recognition, and transmission via
the internet and are therefore capable of two-way communication. Further, their
physical appearances can be broadly classified as either humanoid or animal-like. In
addition to verbal communication, some robots are also capable of nonverbal
communication through the movement of the hands, feet, body, or eyes. In the
care setting, communication robots are expected to be used for psychiatric care
concerning the feelings and emotions of older adults (Sakata, 2017). Such robots are
also beginning to be used as a user interface for remote viewing and communication.
3 Characteristics of the Caregiving Service Profession
and the Importance of Care Oriented to Quality of Life
(QOL)
The aim of caregiving is to enhance the QOL. Caregivers provide physical assistance, psychiatric care, and support for social independence to the service recipients.
Caregiving homes provide care and support, that is, “service.” Service is one
“Human activity” provided by humans. Zins (2001) defines service as follows:
“Human services” is defined here as social services designed to meet human needs that are
required for maintaining or promoting the overall quality of life of the prospective
populations. (pp. 6–7)
According to Zins (2001), the foundation of a service organization is formed by
the relationship between “the provider” and “the recipient” (p. 4). “The needs that
the services are designed to meet” (p. 4) are also important. Further, there are “six
key elements” common among organizations providing service: “the provider, the
recipient, the environment, the organization, the need, and the method” (p. 7).
Technology is becoming essential for achieving goals in a service organization.
Service providers use “human service technologies” as strategies for fulfilling client
needs. Hasenfeld (1983) perceived technology in the following way.
40
Y. Ikeda et al.
support machinery using robot technology for communication with older adults” and
investigation of utilization methods are underway.
Communication robot is “the generic term for a robot used for purposes of or as a
means of communication.” There are three types: (1) “Status Detection and
Response Types” that sense a caregiving home resident’s movement in bed, for
example, and speak to them to encourage proper movement, (2) “Environment/
Operation Responsive Types” that respond to speech or touch from caregiving home
residents (CHRs), and (3) “Caregiver Substitute Program Implementing Types” that
are used to implement a predecided program during physical exercise or recreation
(Ohkawa, 2017, p. 5).
“PARO,” developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and
Technology, is a typical example of a communication robot. According to Sakata
(2017), most communication robots are equipped with touch sensors and functions
of speech recognition, speech production, facial recognition, and transmission via
the internet and are therefore capable of two-way communication. Further, their
physical appearances can be broadly classified as either humanoid or animal-like. In
addition to verbal communication, some robots are also capable of nonverbal
communication through the movement of the hands, feet, body, or eyes. In the
care setting, communication robots are expected to be used for psychiatric care
concerning the feelings and emotions of older adults (Sakata, 2017). Such robots are
also beginning to be used as a user interface for remote viewing and communication.
3 Characteristics of the Caregiving Service Profession
and the Importance of Care Oriented to Quality of Life
(QOL)
The aim of caregiving is to enhance the QOL. Caregivers provide physical assistance, psychiatric care, and support for social independence to the service recipients.
Caregiving homes provide care and support, that is, “service.” Service is one
“Human activity” provided by humans. Zins (2001) defines service as follows:
“Human services” is defined here as social services designed to meet human needs that are
required for maintaining or promoting the overall quality of life of the prospective
populations. (pp. 6–7)
According to Zins (2001), the foundation of a service organization is formed by
the relationship between “the provider” and “the recipient” (p. 4). “The needs that
the services are designed to meet” (p. 4) are also important. Further, there are “six
key elements” common among organizations providing service: “the provider, the
recipient, the environment, the organization, the need, and the method” (p. 7).
Technology is becoming essential for achieving goals in a service organization.
Service providers use “human service technologies” as strategies for fulfilling client
needs. Hasenfeld (1983) perceived technology in the following way.
40
Y. Ikeda et al.